Our Business

A Company Run by Animal Lovers for Animal Lovers

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Our Mission

At vetGen, we believe knowledge is power.
As the pioneer in canine genetic disease detection services, it is the mission of vetGen to improve the health of all purebred animals, by providing informative and valuable services to animal breeders, owners, and care providers.

Our History

Years of Canine Genetic Research
In 1988, a team of Ph.D. molecular geneticists from Michigan State University's School of Veterinary Medicine (MSU) and University of Michigan's Department of Human Genetics (UM) came together to form the nucleus of a research effort to learn about canine genetic diseases. Through contact with key veterinary researchers, dog breeders, and through their personal experience as dog owners, the team quickly verified that there was indeed a significant genetic disease problem in purebred dogs.

Specific goals were established. In particular, a scientific strategy was formed to address this canine genetic problem. The plan they formed was to create an exhaustive body of canine genetic markers which would saturate the canine chromosome. It was theorized that these markers would be extremely useful in researching genetic diseases and in the development of disease detection tests. Through this strategy, the team intended to attack canine genetic diseases and thus enhance the health of purebred dogs.

In 1989, the MSU/UM team was successful in bringing together the American Kennel Club (AKC), the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA), and the Morris Animal Foundation (MAF) to provide significant grant money dedicated to developing this body of genetic markers and to researching specific genetic diseases and services. With this unprecedented trio of organizations supporting them, the project was underway.

The team worked to develop specific genetic disease detection services drawing upon the growing number of informative genetic markers. One such effort was the development of a "Linkage" based DNA test to detect copper toxicosis (CT) in Bedlington terriers. Although Bedlingtons were a relatively small breed, the CT problem within the breed was known to be severe. (The CT gene frequency, it was eventually determined, was as high as 50%.) In 1995, drawing upon one of the markers within the CMGR TM the research team successfully developed a linkage test which would allow Bedlington breeders to determine whether their dog carries copies of this marker.

vetGen, a University Spin-Off, Is Born
The research team recognized that in order for the value of these discoveries to be optimized by the breed, they had to move as quickly and effectively as possible from the university environment into the marketplace. Accordingly, in 1995, the team joined forces with an entrepreneurial firm to develop an autonomous commercial enterprise dedicated to researching and developing genetic tests for purebred dogs.

In October of 1995, vetGen opened its doors for business. The company moved into a state of the art facility in Ann Arbor, Michigan, in close proximity to MSU and UM. While research efforts were maintained at the university laboratories, vetGen established an independent but complementary research effort in its own genetics laboratory to supplement the on-going MSU/UM efforts. vetGen also established a clinical service laboratory with the charter of providing efficient and reliable service to customers.

Staffing the vetGen research and service laboratories are some of the world's finest canine genetics researchers. We have taken great care and pride in assembling this "dream team" of experts. Review our Canine Research information to learn about their ongoing research efforts.

Since its inception, vetGen has launched a variety of genetic disease detection services which are applicable in a variety of breeds. These DNA tests provide key insight as to whether a dog is clear, carrier, or affected of the targeted disease. vetGen has also developed informative DNA Profiling which provides positive identification of tested dogs, as well as, long term (10 year) storage of your dog's DNA sample for convenient, future usage.

In 1997, vetGen was selected by the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center to offer the test for Severe Combined Immunodeficiency "SCID" in Arabian Horses. This test, discovered at the University of Texas, after many years of research by Dr. Kathy Meek and Dr. Lance Perryman will eliminate this deadly condition in Arabian horse foals.

Our Future

In a race against the many genetic diseases that affect purebred animals, we are working hard to expand the genetic disease detection services offered through vetGen. In addition to the research that is taking place in our own lab, we are seeking collaborations with other leading canine researchers so that ultimately their research may be offered to animal breeders and owners as well. We at vetGen strongly believe that by using our unique, cutting edge science we can eliminate the problem of targeted genetic diseases in purebred dogs. With the support of dog breeders, owners, and care providers, that is exactly what we will do.

Please peruse vetGen's Canine Genetic Research information for an eye toward the future of vetGen and the exciting genetic disease research projects already underway.

Quality Control and Warranty

Quality Control
Each sample collection device submitted to vetGen is identified with a bar code enabling computer verified tracking throughout the entire testing and reporting process. This bar code is used to continually identify the sample in the laboratory and to assure that the correct result document is produced for the particular sample.

Control samples of every possible result are run with every sample. Multiple individuals independently read all gel electrophoresis films and results must match exactly before the computer prints the result document. Additionally, four percent (4%) of all tests are independently rerun as double-blind quality control samples which are randomly selected by the computer system. Complete records are kept with every test showing the manufacturer, lot number and mixture date for each reagent utilized, as well as test conditions, thermal cycler program and equipment used for the test. A photograph of each electrophoretic gel is also kept.

Once completed, each result document package is manually inspected for correctness and for the inclusion of relevant informative materials before being sealed and mailed. All customer information and results are confidentially kept on a central computer system database, which is backed up each evening.

The above statement of Quality Control Procedures fully meets the requirements for Hospital Accreditation of the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA).

vetGen, LLC Terms and Conditions

Binding Terms: These Terms and Conditions shall govern the testing services provided to the undersigned customer ("Customer") by vetGen, LLC ("vetGen") in accordance with the DNA Test Sample Submission Form. This is a legally binding agreement between Customer and vetGen.

Samples: vetGen will handle and store all samples sent by Customer with due care. All samples sent to vetGen shall become the sole property of vetGen. vetGen shall have no obligation to return or store any samples sent by Customer once vetGen has completed the testing services.

Nonconformance of Services: Within twenty (20) days after Customer receives the test results from vetGen, Customer must notify vetGen in writing of any nonconformity of the testing services, describing the nonconformity in detail, otherwise all testing services and data shall be conclusively deemed accepted by Customer without qualification. Customer's sole and exclusive remedy for the nonconformance of testing services performed by vetGen is described in Section 4 below.

Limited Warranty: vetGen warrants that any testing that it performs for Customer pursuant to the DNA Test Sample Submission Form will be performed in accordance with generally accepted industry standards of care and competence. Customer's sole and exclusive remedy and vetGen's sole and exclusive liability under the foregoing warranty shall be either to re-perform the testing or provide Customer with a refund for the testing as solely determined by vetGen. vetGen will bear all reasonable shipping costs if testing is to be re-performed. To the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, vetGen disclaims all other representations and warranties, expressed or implied, with respect to the testing services performed by vetGen including but not limited to any implied warranties or merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, accuracy, or infringement. Customer's sole remedy for breach of warranty is limited to those remedies as stated above.

Limited Warranty: vetGen warrants that any testing that it performs for Customer pursuant to the DNA Test Sample Submission Form will be performed in accordance with generally accepted industry standards of care and competence. Customer's sole and exclusive remedy and vetGen's sole and exclusive liability under the foregoing warranty shall be either to re-perform the testing or provide Customer with a refund for the testing as solely determined by vetGen. vetGen will bear all reasonable shipping costs if testing is to be re-performed. To the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, vetGen disclaims all other representations and warranties, expressed or implied, with respect to the testing services performed by vetGen including but not limited to any implied warranties or merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, accuracy, or infringement. Customer's sole remedy for breach of warranty is limited to those remedies as stated above.

Indemnification: Customer further agrees to indemnify and hold vetGen, its affiliates, shareholders, directors, employees, agents and its successors and assigns harmless from all costs, claims, charges, losses, damages, expenses, liabilities or civil proceedings of any kind, including reasonable attorneys fees, arising from or related to any third-party action or claim brought against vetGen related to its performance of testing services for Customer.

Governing Law: These terms and conditions and the testing services provided by vetGen shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Michigan, USA without regard to its conflicts of law provisions. Customer hereby consents to jurisdiction of the courts of the State of Michigan, USA and waives any objection to venue in Washtenaw County.